You're My Best Friend

Chapter 4

Geoffrey nearly pounced on Caroline the second the first dance ended. "I believe I have this next dance with me." He said, practically pulling her off of Lord Crosby's arms

"Yes, I believe you do," Caroline nodded.

The two positioned themselves, and Geoffrey could not help but notice how perfect her form was. "Tell me, wasn't your sister engaged to Lord Crosby last year?" he asked. He had heard a rumor, but since he had not attended any of the social gatherings of last season he did not know.

"Well, yes, but not for long. I'm not even sure why he wanted to dance with me."

She admitted, moving gracefully.

"You are very pretty," he said, "and I must add a wonderful dancer." He glanced around at the young men in women moving to their own off rhythm steps, 'Now do tell me about some of your acquaintances."

"I am not much of a gossip" she confessed, "so I will not say anything negative about any of the ladies here. I will simply tell you about the young women who have the best qualities." She pointed her head towards a group of women not yet dancing.

"That is Suzannah Fields. She is my eldest sister's closest friend. An excellent harp player too. And beyond genuine." she motioned her head in the other direction, "And that is Priscilla Longworth. She has a wonderful sense of humor and could make a royal guard giggle a bit" her voice trailed on continuing to describe the different young women moving about.

Geoffrey had to admit it was all a bit exciting. He would be a liar if he said that he did enjoy that he would likely be flocked by pretty girls in the coming weeks. He just hoped that one of them would make enough of an impact on him to marry.

That was nice too. As a man, he had control over who he could marry. Sure he would have to ask someone's permission for the hand of his future wife, but no one had to ask him anything. He was strong and independent.

"And me?" he heard Caroline peep

"I'm sorry what?" he said, refocusing himself on the conversation.

"Well we had a deal. Tit for tat. I recommend some of the finest ladies in the ton, and you do the same for me for the gentlemen"

In that moment, Geoffrey could not remember anything but a few names and faces of other gentlemen. "Oh yes," he removed his hand from the small of her back and adjusted his cravat.

"Lord Crosby" he said

"What?" she cocked her head.

He remembered his conversation from before. That was right, the whole issue with her sister. He chuckled, "Just kidding" he said

"Oh" she replied. The music stopped, but he didn't let go. He felt obliged to hold up his end of the bargain, "Are you alright if we keep dancing? I haven't helped you at all yet."

She nodded.

"Lord Logan, he is very kind, and not a cheat at cards."

He pointed his finger at another young man, "There's Edmund Bridgerton... Though he is a bit young. Do you know him?"

Caroline laughed, "He is my cousin, I would think I know him well enough"

He had faltered again. Geoffrey felt more like an idiot than before.

"I'm sorry, I might not be much help..." he glanced around nervously. "Wait! George de Savant, he is a frenchman, but his aunt and uncle live here. I've met him a few times, he seems very kind. And I don't think he has ever courted your sisters or is related to you."

Caroline glanced in the man's direction, "He seems handsome. And as far as I know, my family does not come from France" she scrunched her nose and giggled. "And you? Who will you be dancing with next?"

Geoffrey tried to remember one of the names she had said before. "I think Miss Fields."

"An excellent choice! Suzannah is one of the most wonderful women here. She would make a wonderful wife."

The dance ended, and Geoffrey bowed in thanks to Caroline, "Thank you for your help." he whispered.

"Best of luck to you with Suzannah," she whispered back, "She truly is wonderful"

He wished he could say the same about Savant. He just hoped he had made a good guess. If she were his sister he would hate to think that he had put her into the wrong hands.

Unable to think of what to say, Geoffrey just nodded.

Walking confidently towards Suzannah, or at least who he could remember was Suzannah, Geoffrey reached for his cravat for a third time.

"Miss Fields?" he asked clearing his throat

She turned to face him, and Geoffrey could not help but notice how pretty she really was. Blonde hair and blue eyes, she and he could make beautiful children. But more importantly, and what he had yet to find out- would she make a perfect wife?

"Sir?" she said

"May I have this dance?" he asked, extending his hand to her.

Suzannah kept her eyes downward in the most ladylike manor, and someone next to her giggled excitedly, "I would be honored"

"Then, shall we?" he reached over for her hand.